Is DEI DOA?

In this timely and crucial episode, Lindsay Waugh and Sean Patrick of The Two Marketeers confront a troubling trend: companies halting corporate social responsibility (CSR) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives during challenging times.

The headlines are disheartening—DEI departments dismantled, Chief Diversity Officers let go—and it’s impossible not to feel the weight of what this means for the individuals and communities most impacted. Lindsay shares her frustration and concern as years of hard-fought progress are at risk of being rolled back, leaving many wondering: what happens to the people these initiatives were designed to support?

Lindsay and Sean dig into the long-term consequences of these short-sighted decisions. For brands that once stood proudly for inclusion and social impact, pulling back now sends a devastating message—not just about priorities but about authenticity. They unpack why this isn’t just a “bad look” but a betrayal of trust that affects employees, customers, and communities alike.

While they highlight brands like Ben & Jerry’s as examples of staying true to purpose even in tough times, they also acknowledge the challenges companies face in maintaining commitments to DEI. But ultimately, this is a call to action: CSR and DEI aren’t just business strategies—they’re human commitments that must be kept.

Tune in for an unflinching, heartfelt conversation about why keeping these promises isn’t just critical for companies—it’s essential for creating a more just and equitable society.